2 
i 
While conducting the nest survey, 438 adult birds and 47 .immatures 
were counted on the island at 1900 hours. This figure probably represents 
less than 50 percent of the birds standing in pairs. Approximately 2000 
birds were found in clubs around the north and east sides of Howland. 
Three birds were banded, and 37 local returns, 2 recaptures from Jarvis, 
and 1 recapture from Birnie were recorded. One additional bird of unknown 
origin was recaptured. 
Red-footed Booby 
Twenty-five nests were counted giving the following numbers: 
1 Egg b 
Small Naked Chick 3 
Small Downy Chick 3 
Medium Downy Chick 9 
Large Downy Chick 6 
Over five subadult birds were roosting on the island. There were 200 Red- 
foots roosting on a live Cordia clump and 100 roosting on dead Cordia 
stumps. Three birds were banded, and five local returns, one recapture 
from Enderbury, and two recaptures of unknown origin were recorded. 
Brown Booby 
* 
% 
Fifteen adults were seen at the southwest corner of the island. No- 
eggs were found, but four large dcwny chicks and two Immature birds were 
seen. Others of this species were probably present but not seen due to 
their elusiveness. 
Great Frigatebird 
i 1 % 
Although breeding is occurring on Howland, no adult males were seen 
with inflated pouches. The nests present represent at least 70 days of 
nesting, but no peak in this egg-laying period is evident. A summary of 
egg flotation and nest counts follows: 
Incubation : 
Light 
Medium 
Heavy 
15 
12 
6 
Nest Survey: 
Eggs 
SNC 
SDC 
MDC 
91 
11 
24 
10 
Nests were found near the island center in an old dead Cordia grove. 
Dead Great Frigatebirds and rotten eggs were found throughout the area. 
Nine Great Frigatebirds were banded. 
Lesser Frigatebird 
—————— aJtfe——— i———— m — O v 
This species was jus! starting to breed east of last season’s colony, 
but still within the Tribulus - Cordia association found near the island 
center. Nests were primarily of Tribulus vines; Boerhavia and Digitaria 
stems were also used. Nests were, constructed either on Tribulus or 
or Lepturus patches. 
